SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday, September 25, 2025, carrying 28 Starlink satellites into orbit. The mission, designated Starlink 10-15, marked the company's 86th launch dedicated to its satellite internet constellation this year.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX launched 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
- The mission was the 86th Starlink launch of 2025, expanding the constellation to over 8,400 satellites.
- The Falcon 9 first-stage booster, B1080, completed its 22nd successful flight and landing.
- The booster landed on the droneship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' in the Atlantic Ocean.
Mission Details and Launch Timeline
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch occurred at 4:39 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (0839 UTC).
Weather conditions were highly favorable for the early morning launch. The 45th Weather Squadron had forecast a 90 percent chance of acceptable weather, noting only a minor risk from some mid and upper-level clouds.
Following a nominal ascent, the payload of 28 Starlink satellites was deployed into low-Earth orbit approximately one hour and four minutes after liftoff. This deployment continues the rapid expansion of SpaceX's global internet service.
The Starlink Megaconstellation
SpaceX's Starlink project aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved areas worldwide. The network relies on a vast number of satellites in low-Earth orbit, which communicate with ground terminals. The V2 Mini satellites launched in this mission offer improved bandwidth and performance compared to earlier generations.
Reusable Booster Completes 22nd Flight
A significant aspect of this mission was the performance of the Falcon 9 first-stage booster. The rocket used for this flight was booster B1080, one of the most frequently flown vehicles in SpaceX's fleet.
This launch marked the 22nd successful mission for this specific booster, demonstrating the reliability and cost-effectiveness of SpaceX's reusable rocket technology. Reusing boosters is a core component of the company's strategy to reduce the cost of access to space.
After separating from the second stage, the booster performed a series of engine burns to guide itself back through Earth's atmosphere. It executed a precise landing burn just before touching down.
Successful Droneship Landing
Approximately eight and a half minutes after liftoff, booster B1080 landed autonomously on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas, which was positioned in the Atlantic Ocean.
This recovery was a significant milestone for SpaceX's ongoing operations. According to company data, this marked the 126th successful landing on this particular droneship and the 511th overall booster recovery for SpaceX. These consistent successes are crucial for maintaining a high launch cadence.
Launch Cadence in 2025
The Starlink 10-15 mission was the 86th Starlink launch of 2025. This pace highlights SpaceX's ability to manufacture, prepare, and launch satellites at a rate unmatched in the aerospace industry, rapidly growing its orbital constellation.
Expanding Global Internet Coverage
The 28 satellites from the Starlink 10-15 mission will soon raise their orbits to their operational altitude. Once active, they will join the more than 8,400 satellites already providing internet service across the globe.
The continued deployment of Starlink V2 Mini satellites is essential for increasing the network's capacity and coverage. Each launch adds more bandwidth and reduces latency for users on the ground, particularly in rural and remote regions where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking.
SpaceX has ambitious plans to continue expanding the Starlink constellation. The company's high launch frequency, enabled by its reusable Falcon 9 rockets, is the primary driver behind the network's rapid growth. Future missions are already scheduled to further build out the system's capabilities and global footprint.
